Providence Local News

RI panel to mull firearm background check loophole

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A state task force is reviewing why RhodeIsland doesn't provide its mental health records to the national database used for firearm background checks.

RhodeIsland is now one of only a handful of states that does not share its mental health records with the FBI's background check system. Lawmakers created the task force to review whether the state should change that policy. It includes lawmakers, gun rights advocates, mental health professionals and members of law enforcement.

Lawmakers say they want to look for ways to keep guns out of the hands of those with severe mental illness without violating the Second Amendment or stigmatizing those who struggle with psychological illness.